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03/19/2005 06:56:50 PM · #1 |
What do you think creates the best light, stobes, soft boxes, flash, spotlights, desklamps? This is for a studio setup. Right now I have two sb600's two light stands, 4 umbrellas, two gold, two silver. Just wondering what else I need to create some dramatic lighting. I'm kind of new at studio lighting, any help would be great. By dramatic I mean everything good.
Travis
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03/19/2005 07:00:41 PM · #2 |
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03/19/2005 07:10:01 PM · #3 |
I'm not an authority on this matter, but I'd say it's not which lights you use but how you use those lights..
One thing I like to say is this.. The more light you have coming out, the more it's going to 'bend' around the subject.. but by moving the light closer and turning the output down you can attain a better cast of shadows. Soft boxes also 'bend' the light by diffusing it.. The more things you use to diffuse the light, the more light will be everywhere. lights which are not diffused are 'harder' and create more drastic shadows, but sometimes for the worse. It's really more of what you are using them for.. If you are only doing portraits you don't need high output lights, just the minimal. The minimal (to me) is one main and one fill (can adjust to double main etc.) and two background lights. With these four lights you encompass almost any situation. The background lights can be turned to the subject for a 'halo' or highlight on one side.. you can turn off your fill while leaving the background lights on. This will create the awesome shadow on the model while lighting the background remains lit and gives an awesome effect. It's really endless.
Joe
I also notice you have a D70 which has commander mode. commander mode lets you remotely set off speed lights, such as the SB600. This photo was taken in this fashion with the SB600. The light was above the model (being held from behind the backdrop by my wife). It is completely bare (not diffused) because I wanted those hard shadows.
Message edited by author 2005-03-19 19:14:03.
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03/19/2005 07:41:42 PM · #4 |
| Natural light is optimal, but not always bright, and barely ever convenient. Softboxed strobe is second best, in my mind. |
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03/19/2005 08:18:59 PM · #5 |
magicshutter, that is a great photo, what were you camera settings? Fstop and shutter speed.
Message edited by author 2005-03-19 20:19:13.
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03/19/2005 08:30:12 PM · #6 |
I'd say it's how you use your lights!
Just a snoot My oldest son
2 umbrellas and a back light
Both are as they came off the camera
With 4 lights I'd say it's set up!
ebertdj@hotmail.com |
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03/19/2005 08:47:28 PM · #7 |
Ok when you show your photos could you tell me your camera setting so I have an idea of what I'm working with.
Travis
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03/19/2005 08:54:54 PM · #8 |
This is a highly interesting question. Different lights serves different purposes. The most dramatic light is the single tungsten to define interesting part of the form. You see this in with a stark black background. It can be used for many effects. From the single light source you move on to the fill. These lights create the most comfortable atmosphere in which to learn the art of lighting.
Strobes are great because they are compact but they are not as easy to use because like all lights, they create hotspots even with umbrellas. These lights excell when they are bounced off a flat reflector if what you seek is even lighting. There is a world of adventure to be had with strobes. The strobes favor good skin tones. They are also pretty powerful and allow a deeper dof when needed.
Softboxes are exactly as the name implies. You get a super diffuse effect which althought desirable at times, it is not ideal at others.
It all depends on what you are after at one particular time. A full studio has strobes, softboxes and several hotlights. There is also a spot light, this is a special light with a fresnel lens that is capable of being focused. It is ideal as a highlight light and great with models hair when aimed from the back.
Lighting, there is no one answer for anyone. For example when I travel on shoots I take strobes, softboxes and my frensnel spot light. This light is also good for single use.
Message edited by author 2005-03-19 20:56:18. |
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03/19/2005 10:45:08 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Travis99:
magicshutter, that is a great photo, what were you camera settings? Fstop and shutter speed. |
I use f/11 and 1/60 almost always when doing studio stuff.. unless DOF comes into play.
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03/20/2005 12:07:21 AM · #10 |
I try to use nothing bigger than a f8 for studio work - f11 even better - this give you really good focus and sharpness for the subject. 1/60 is the slowest I would shoot...
Hope this helps
ebertdj@hotmail.com |
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